What is a Doula?
A labor doula, sometimes referred to as a labor coach, is a nonmedical person who assists a woman before, during, or after childbirth, as well as her partner and/or family by providing information, physical assistance, and emotional support. The provision of continuous support during labor by doulas (and other support persons) is associated with reduced interventions including lower cesarean rates, and generally improved maternal and fetal health.
Labor doula services include 2-3 perinatal visits, where the doula and the expectant mother meet to review a birth plan, birth history, and get to know each other. As the mother gets closer to giving birth a doula can provide emotional support and non-medical recommendations. When the mother goes into labor, she calls her doula to join her. A doula never replaces a husband, mother, partner, etc. but enhances the birth experience wherever she is needed. For example, she might suggest ways for support person(s) to support and comfort the birthing mother. Doulas can provide support at home, a birthing center, in the hospital or a combination thereof. They stay with the mother until 2-3 hours after she has given birth.
A doula also does a follow-up visit a few days after the baby is born to make sure mother and baby are doing well. Often she can refer the family to other services in the birthing community, or for support postpartum. There are also postpartum doulas who provide different support services after the baby is born.
Labor doula services include 2-3 perinatal visits, where the doula and the expectant mother meet to review a birth plan, birth history, and get to know each other. As the mother gets closer to giving birth a doula can provide emotional support and non-medical recommendations. When the mother goes into labor, she calls her doula to join her. A doula never replaces a husband, mother, partner, etc. but enhances the birth experience wherever she is needed. For example, she might suggest ways for support person(s) to support and comfort the birthing mother. Doulas can provide support at home, a birthing center, in the hospital or a combination thereof. They stay with the mother until 2-3 hours after she has given birth.
A doula also does a follow-up visit a few days after the baby is born to make sure mother and baby are doing well. Often she can refer the family to other services in the birthing community, or for support postpartum. There are also postpartum doulas who provide different support services after the baby is born.
